The Miracle, at 60

It's the norm for exiled nations to disappear -- with one exception: a miraculous story of redemption and return, after not a century or two, but 2,000 years.

Before sending Lewis and Clark west, Thomas Jefferson dispatched Meriwether Lewis to Philadelphia to see Benjamin Rush. The eminent doctor prepared a series of scientific questions for the expedition to answer. Among them, writes Stephen Ambrose: "What Affinity between their [the Indians'] religious Ceremonies & those of the Jews?" Jefferson and Lewis, like many of their day and ours, were fascinated by the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and thought they might be out there on the Great Plains.

They weren't. They aren't anywhere. Their disappearance into the mists of history since their exile from Israel in 722 B.C. is no mystery. It is the norm, the rule for every ancient people defeated, destroyed, scattered and exiled.

With one exception, a miraculous story of redemption and return, after not a century or two, but 2,000 years. Remarkably, that miracle occurred in our time. This week marks its 60th anniversary: the return and restoration of the remaining two tribes of Israel -- Judah and Benjamin, later known as the Jews -- to their ancient homeland.

Israel is "the only nation in the world that is governing itself in the same territory, under the same name, and with the same religion and same language as it did 3,000 years ago."

Besides restoring Jewish sovereignty, the establishment of the State of Israel embodied many subsidiary miracles, from the creation of the first Jewish army since Roman times to the only recorded instance of the resurrection of a dead language -- Hebrew, now the daily tongue of a vibrant nation of 7 million. As historian Barbara Tuchman once wrote, Israel is "the only nation in the world that is governing itself in the same territory, under the same name, and with the same religion and same language as it did 3,000 years ago."

During its early years, Israel was often spoken of in such romantic terms. Today, such talk is considered naive, anachronistic, even insensitive, nothing more than Zionist myth designed to hide the true story, i.e., the Palestinian narrative of dispossession.

Not so. Palestinian suffering is, of course, real and heart-wrenching, but what the Arab narrative deliberately distorts is the cause of its own tragedy: the folly of its own fanatical leadership -- from Haj Amin al-Husseini, the grand mufti of Jerusalem (Nazi collaborator, who spent World War II in Berlin), to Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser to Yasser Arafat to Hamas of today -- that repeatedly chose war rather than compromise and conciliation.

Palestinian dispossession is a direct result of the Arab rejection, then and now, of a Jewish state of any size on any part of the vast lands the Arabs claim as their exclusive patrimony. That was the cause of the war 60 years ago that, in turn, caused the refugee problem. And it remains the cause of war today.

Six months before Israel's birth, the United Nations had decided by a two-thirds majority that the only just solution to the British departure from Palestine would be the establishment of a Jewish state and an Arab state side by side. The undeniable fact remains: The Jews accepted that compromise; the Arabs rejected it.

With a vengeance. On the day the British pulled down their flag, Israel was invaded by Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Transjordan and Iraq -- 650,000 Jews against 40 million Arabs.

Israel prevailed, another miracle. But at a very high cost -- not just to the Palestinians displaced as a result of a war designed to extinguish Israel at birth, but also to the Israelis, whose war losses were staggering: 6,373 dead. One percent of the population. In American terms, it would take 35 Vietnam memorials to encompass such a monumental loss of life.

You rarely hear about Israel's terrible suffering in that 1948-49 war. You hear only the Palestinian side. Today, in the same vein, you hear that Israeli settlements and checkpoints and occupation are the continuing root causes of terrorism and instability in the region.

Israel's crime is not its policies but its insistence on living.

But in 1948, there were no "occupied territories." Nor in 1967 when Egypt, Syria and Jordan joined together in a second war of annihilation against Israel.

Look at Gaza today. No Israeli occupation, no settlements, not a single Jew left. The Palestinian response? Unremitting rocket fire killing and maiming Israeli civilians. The declared casus belli of the Palestinian government in Gaza behind these rockets? The very existence of a Jewish state.

One constantly hears about the disabling complexity of the Arab-Israeli dispute. Complex it is, but the root cause is not. Israel's crime is not its policies but its insistence on living. On the day the Arabs -- and the Palestinians in particular -- make a collective decision to accept the Jewish state, there will be peace, as Israel proved with its treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Until that day, there will be nothing but war. And every "peace process," however cynical or well meaning, will come to nothing.

About the Author

Charles Krauthammer is a sydicated columnist for the Washington Post, and a contributor on Fox News. He has been named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in America, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 12

(12)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2011 5:40 PM

very nice article

But the ten tribes never disappered they are on the other side of the (I dont know how to spell this word) sambatchion river and they will return at the time of messiah

(11)
Brian,
June 5, 2008 6:23 PM

When Palestinians and Arabs rid themselves of Xenophobia - only then will there be peace !

Even South Africa, where I live, has now again experienced Xenophobia - a toxic national mental illness - that is stirred by hate speech and hateful thinking. Subsequent to the defeat of the nazis, the Palestinians and Arabs are now the worst - and perhaps the last -victims of this terrible way of thinking. Arabs could build a great peaceful and prosperous middle east if they made peace and co-operated with Israel and settled their own Arab refugee problem. They should follow the example of the great sultans of Turkey, who welcomed Jewish and Muslim refugees expelled by Spain and Portugal, and who helped make Turkey a great nation. The Jewish people must find their voice and scold the puppet leaders of the Arab/Muslim world and go over their heads to the great silent majority of ordinary people in the Arab and Muslim world, who want peace and prosperity for themselves and their children. We will find many willing allies. We must not be afraid !

We must ask ourselves:
Why were we given the 10 commandments ?
What does it mean to be a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy nation ?
Why were we dispersed to the 4 corners of the world, and willingly, in some cases, reluctantly, in others, brought back to Eretz Israel ?
What does it mean: "Ye are my witnesses" says Hashem !
This article gives the historical background, but we must correctly diagnose the problem and not only defend ourselves, but also speak the truth to them. The Jewish people have many good leaders, but in their own eyes perhaps they perceive of themselves as midgets instead of the heirs to Abraham, Moses, Isaaih, Herzl, Ben Gurion and Begin.

(10)
chuks ezike,
May 30, 2008 10:26 PM

My problem is not with the Palestinians and their insincere Arab backers, but with the tepid leadership of Isreal over the years. As a Christian who loves Israel, I feel pained that most of the God-given land has been concessioned to the Arabs (not only the Palestinians) in the name of political correctness, and in search of elusive peace. They fail to appreciate that an average Arab does not understand, nor believe in, peace - except of course, on their own terms only!

(9)
AkivaGodley-Davis,
May 20, 2008 12:25 PM

Well said, even if you are a FOX man.

I don''t generally agree with much Mr. Krauthammer has to say in his political analyses and the like, but I''m writing here to give him his due: he has stated the case well and accurately, in my opinion. Few see the obvious cause of the Middle East troubles. He has laid it out clearly for all who wish understand the true situation.

(8)
Shoshana Stubin,
May 20, 2008 10:37 AM

Arabs are their own worst enemies

If the Arabs who claim to be so anguished about their Palestinian brothers truly cared, they would have absorbed these people into their own countries years ago. They have chosen to let their brethren live like rats for their own political purposes, rather than welcome them home.

(7)
Betty Swirsky,
May 19, 2008 12:57 PM

Wonderful article with clear explanation.

We are very impressed with Mr. Krauthammer. We watch him whenever he is in the Fox Channel. We appreciate the way he expreses himself with such clarity and truth. Very well written article as always.

(6)
Saeed Saidian,
May 19, 2008 12:16 AM

What a joy...

...for having such a brave president and reading such a wonderful article. I wish, I DO WISH there was one single mirror in the whole Arab world, one wise mind, to reflet this to them.

What a remote wish, what a remote wish!!

(5)
Anonymous,
May 18, 2008 3:58 PM

Possiblity of Peace

Great article...what if the architects and construction companies of Israel and USA built exact duplicates of the homes the Palestinians fled from during the first war, but on ARAB SOIL, either bought or possibly donated by the Arabs(!) That should assuage their deep nostalgia for former days, while protecting Israel''s demographics.This would have to include additional rooms to allow for the expansion of families since that time.

(4)
Ruben Benjamin,
May 18, 2008 12:38 PM

Brilliant summary, Words of Facts and Real history

It is rare to read about such real history in the circles of media..Mr. Krauthammer just hammered the nail in the head, as it was and is...(the world is trying to solve a religious problem with a political answer ..impossible...peace for peace ..not land for peace.

(3)
Aviva Schlachet,
May 18, 2008 11:45 AM

BRILLIANT & ACCURATE!!

This is a brilliant and accurate commentary and synopsis of the Israeli situation. Some of us, like Mr. Krauthammer, are old enough to know and have lived thru the modern realities of which he so accurately speaks. Thank you, Charles Krauthammer, for speaking up.

(2)
Giacomo,
May 18, 2008 11:14 AM

The Return Of The Ten Lost Tribes Of Israel

Isaiah 11:12 And He (Moshiach) will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the dispersed of Israel, and gather together the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 13 The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and they that harass Judah shall be cut off, Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

This is the greatest prophecy for the end of times in which we are now. The disperse of Israel are the Northern Kingdom who have been missing since her deportation in Assyria since the destruction of the 2 Temple by the hands of the Romans. This will be the greatest miracle ever. These ten tribes received the bill of divorcement for their rampant idolatry, but they have also had Hashem promise to return in the latter day. This is mind bogging, but it has been prophesied to take place. Strap your seat belt and get ready to see Hashem coming to the rescue of His people. Prophecy is nothing else than history written in advance. Be of good cheers. Redemption has already started.

(1)
Andrew,
May 18, 2008 7:21 AM

truer words were never written

Mr. Krauthammer always writes with brilliant clarity and presents a cogent argument about what is necessary for peace between the Israelis and their neighbors. One can only hope those neighbors will one day see the light, but I seriously doubt it will happen in my lifetime.

This year during Chanukah I will be on a wilderness survival trip, and it will be very difficult to properly celebrate the holiday. I certainty won't be able to bring along a Menorah.

So if I am going to celebrate only one day of Chanukah, which is the most significant?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

If a person can only celebrate one day of Chanukah, he should celebrate the first day.

This is similar to a case where a person is in prison, and the authorities agree to permit him to go to synagogue one day. The law is that he should go at the first opportunity, and not wait for a more important day like the High Holidays.

The reason is because one should not allow the opportunity of a mitzvah to pass. Moreover, it is quite conceivable that circumstances will later change and allow for additional observance. Therefore, we do not let the first chance pass. (Sources: Code of Jewish Law OC 90, Mishnah Berurah 28.)

As an important aside, Chanukah candles must be lit in (or at the entrance to) a home rather than out of doors. Thus, you should not light in actual "wilderness," but only after you've pitched your tent for the night.

There may be another reason why the first night is the one to focus on. Chanukah is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the one-day supply of oil that miraculously burned for eight days. But if you think about it, since there was enough oil to burn naturally for one night, nothing miraculous happened on that first night! So why shouldn't Chanukah be just seven days?!

There are many wonderful answers given to this question, highlighting the special aspect of the first day. Here are a few:

1) True, the miracle of the oil did not begin until the second day, and lasted for only seven days. But the Sages designated the first day of Chanukah in commemoration of the miraculous military victory.

2) Having returned to the Temple and found it in shambles, the Jews had no logical reason to think they would find any pure oil. The fact that the Maccabees didn't give up hope, and then actually found any pure oil at all, is in itself a miracle.

3) The Sages chose Chanukah, a festival that revolves around oil's ability to burn, as the time to teach the fundamental truth that even so-called "natural" events take place only because God wants them to.

The Talmudic Sage Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa expressed this truth in explaining a miracle that occurred in his own home. Once, his daughter realized that she had lit the Shabbos candles with vinegar instead of oil. Rabbi Chanina calmed her, saying, "Why are you concerned! The One Who commanded oil to burn, can also command vinegar to burn!" The Talmud goes on to say that those Shabbos lights burned bright for many hours (Taanit 25a).

To drive this truth home, the Sages decreed that Chanukah be observed for eight days: The last seven to commemorate the miracle of the Menorah, and the first to remind us that even the “normal” burning of oil is only in obedience to God's wish.

In closing, I'm not sure what's stopping you from celebrating more than one day? At a minimum, you can light one candle sometime during the evening, and that fulfills the mitzvah of Chanukah - no “official Menorah” necessary. With so much joy to be had, why limit yourself to one night only?!

In 165 BCE, the Maccabees defeated the Greek army and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Finding only one jar of pure oil, they lit the Menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days. Also on this day -- 1,100 years earlier -- Moses and the Jewish people completed construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that accompanied them during 40 years of wandering in the desert. The Tabernacle was not dedicated, however, for another three months; tradition says that the day of Kislev 25 was then "compensated" centuries later -- when the miracle of Chanukah occurred and the Temple was rededicated. Today, Jews around the world light a Chanukah menorah, to commemorate the miracle of the oil, and its message that continues to illuminate our lives today.

A person who utilizes suffering to arouse himself in spiritual matters will find consolation. He will recognize that even though the suffering was difficult for him, it nevertheless helped him for eternity.

When you see yourself growing spiritually through your suffering, you will even be able to feel joy because of that suffering.

They established these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great Name(Siddur).

Jewish history is replete with miracles that transcend the miracle of the Menorah. Why is the latter so prominently celebrated while the others are relegated to relative obscurity?

Perhaps the reason is that most other miracles were Divinely initiated; i.e. God intervened to suspend the laws of nature in order to save His people from calamity.

The miracle of the Menorah was something different. Having defeated the Seleucid Greek invaders, the triumphant Jews entered the Sanctuary. There they found that they could light the Menorah for only one day, due to a lack of undefiled oil. Further, they had no chance of replenishing the supply for eight days. They did light the Menorah anyway, reasoning that it was best to do what was within their ability to do and to postpone worrying about the next day until such worry was appropriate. This decision elicited a Divine response and the Menorah stayed lit for that day and for seven more.

This miracle was thus initiated by the Jews themselves, and the incident was set down as a teaching for all future generations: concentrate your efforts on what you can do, and do it! Leave the rest to God.

While even our best and most sincere efforts do not necessarily bring about miracles, the teaching is nevertheless valid. Even the likelihood of failure in the future should not discourage us from any constructive action that we can take now.

Today I shall...

focus my attention on what it is that I can do now, and do it to the best of my ability.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...